CAPE TOWN – Black Leopards started the new year with an impressive performance, when they held Ajax Cape Town to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Castle Premiership League match which was played at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town last Fri-day evening.

The Thohoyandou outfit held their own against the Urban Warriors throughout the game and the draw was probably a fair reflection of the match. Leopards packed their defence and relied mainly on a counter attacking game.

Brett Evans looked good for the hosts in the first half and had two early chances. The Ajax keeper, Moeneeb Josephs, had a somewhat shaky start and in the 8th minute he was rescued by defender Cyrille Mubiala, who cleared a stray ball from the goal line.

As the game went on, Josephs made an excellent save from Wonder Nhleko in the 31st minute. There were no goals to show for either side when the referee blew his whistle for the break.

At half-time, Ajax introduced the 17-year-old, Granwald Scott, who proceeded to give a good showing to his technical staff. The Urban Warriors took the lead in the 72nd minute when skipper Bradley August headed home a free kick by Norman Mapeza. They did not enjoy leadership status for a long time as the visitors retaliated after seven minutes. Wonder Nhleko forced his way through the defence of Ajax and sent in a ground cutter that left the Ajax keeper, Moeneeb Josephs, a flabbergasted man.

With only four minutes remaining, Ajax had late chances to wrap up the game. Franklyn Cale shot over the bar from close range, after whichWilfred Mugeyi hit the upright with a desperate shot.